DEPUTY THOMAS A. FAY

Dep. Thomas A. Fay

End of Watch May 17, 1919

On May 17, 1919, Deputy Thomas Fay was off duty when he and his wife of seventeen days were driving their truck
at the intersection of Highway 80 and Lookout Avenue (now El Cajon Boulevard and La Mesa Boulevard). Deputy Fay noticed
an argument between two men, Al Miller and Dr. Lewis Gilman, D.D.S., near the Gilman residence. Miller’s wife Rose, his
sister, Mrs. J.A. Parks, and Gilman’s wife were standing nearby.

Deputy Fay stopped to investigate the nature of the disturbance. He soon learned that at issue was the shooting of a
rabbit by Miller. Miller used a shotgun, loaded with birdshot, to shoot the rabbit. Gilman thought that Miller had shot
at him. He became enraged, voicing obscene and vulgar language, and demanded that Deputy Fay arrest Miller. Miller
explained the true nature of his actions and threatened to have Gilman arrested for disturbing the peace.

During his investigation, Deputy Fay accompanied Gilman to his residence to inspect for any damage that may have been
caused by Miller’s shots. Deputy Fay and Mrs. Gilman remained on the porch as Gilman entered the residence. Mrs. Gilman
began a verbal tirade, denouncing and abusing Deputy Fay. Shortly thereafter, Gilman appeared at the door, armed with an
automatic pistol. Without warning, Gilman shot Deputy Fay, killing him instantly. Gilman fired additional shots at Rose
Miller and Mrs. Parks. Neither woman was injured and Mrs. Parks engaged in a life and death struggle with Gilman.
Al Miller came to her aid and, after a fierce fight, used a cobblestone to bludgeon Gilman. Telephone calls were
placed for assistance and Deputy Goset responded to the scene and arrested Gilman. Gilman was ultimately convicted of
murder and sentenced to life in prison.

In addition to his wife, Deputy Fay was survived by two children from a previous marriage.